Transformative Principal

Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom with Mitch Weathers & Sarah Oberle

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, first grade teacher Sarah Oberle and Organized Binder creator Mitch Weathers discuss their new book, Executive Functions for Every K-...

How to Lead Change Without Leaving Your Team Behind with Dr. Kristilynn Turney

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mike Caldwell sits down with Dr. Kristilynn Turney, an educational consultant, speaker, and former school principal with 27 years in ...

Supporting School Leaders Through the Daily Grind with Marie Bordeleau

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Mike Caldwell sits down with Dr. Marie Bordeleau, a veteran Catholic and public school leader with over 25 years of experience, ...

The 3 Keys to Leading Every Human with Nick Pretasky

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Nick Pretasky draws on his experience as an Alaskan backcountry guide to share three essentials for leadership: Bond, Mastery, and Be...

Becoming an Innovative Leader with Brad Gustafson

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode from the Transformative Leadership Summit vault, host Jethro Jones interviews Brad Gustafson, about becoming an innovative leader in e...

Jethro's Dissertation - How Principals who Use AI for Innovation Create Cognitive Equity

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, Jethro Jones defends his doctoral dissertation on how school principals can use AI for innovation rather than just efficiency...

A New Era of Transformative Principal with Mike Caldwell

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special handoff episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones announces he's passing the podcast to Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedL...

Building Accountability Through Key Responsibility Areas with Will Parker

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this vault episode from the Transformative Leadership Summit, host Jethro Jones interviews Will Parker, a high school principal from northeastern O...

Learning Through Video Games at Alpha School with Benny

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

15:19.5In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Benny, a 16-year-old sophomore at Alpha School in Austin. Benny discu...

The Power of Principal Self-Efficacy with Stan Koterba

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones speaks with Stan Koterba, an Ohio principal working on his doctorate in educational lea...

Reject the Premise, Part 8 with Danny Bauer

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Reject the Premise, Jethro and Danny challenge three common misconceptions in educational leadership. They argue that leadership de...

Supporting Students and Families with ADHD with Mike Goldstein

04 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Mike Goldstein, co-founder of Reset Teen Coaching and author of "I'll Do It Later." They discuss the challeng...

The Jethro 2025 Episode

28 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special "reverse interview" episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones is interviewed by Mike Caldwell. Jethro reflects on his jou...

Run the School Before It Runs You with Rich Czyz

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones sits down with Rich Czyz, principal of Yardville Elementary and author of "Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School ...

Reject the Premise, Part 6 with Danny Bauer

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones and Danny Bauer continue their "Reject the Premise" series, challenging common assumptions in education. They discuss th...

Building Stronger, More Connected School Communities with Ben Downey

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jethro Jones interviews Ben Downey, founder of Big Nest, about the vital role and challenges of parent teacher groups (PTAs/PTGs) in schools. They dis...

Helping Educators Grow Through Technology and Community with Mike Caldwell

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Host Jethro Jones talks with Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedLeaders, about building a platform that connects school leaders with mentors and peers fo...

AI Exposed the Lie of Schools, Let's Focus on Learning Again

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Transformative Principal! In this thought-provoking solo episode, host Jethro Jones explores how artificial intelligence has revealed the w...

How to Get a Wealthy Brain Even If You’re Not with Michael Toth

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The great importance of redesigning Tier 1 instruction that ensures deeper learning for all students. The research shows huge benefits to students and...

Designing Different with Adrian Ireland

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Adrian Ireland, an international educator, systems thinker, and author of "D...

Building Futures: Transition Services and Real-Life Skills with Joel Lavin

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25...

Helping Kids Find Purposeful Direction with Tyler Lafferty

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Tyler Lafferty, executive director and founder of Slingshot. Tyler shares hi...

Using Technology to Build Relationships And Help Kids Love Reading with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey from being a principal to advising the NYC Mayor, and now ser...

Peacefully Productive Kids with Hilda Guerrero

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Host Jethro D. Jones talks with teacher Hilda Guerrero about her "Peacefully Productive Kids" program, which helps students develop emotional regulati...

Leading Change that Lasts with Dr. Kelly Hastings

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly a year ago, Dr. Kelly Hastings interviewed Jethro on this show to talk about Saboteurs. It’s high time we get her on the show to talk about h...

Throwbacks: Elephants Fighting with Naphtali Hoff

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach, organizational consultant, trainer, writer & speaker.How to come back from making a mistake.Think big picture...

Reject the Premise, Part 4 with Danny Bauer

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro and Danny continue their "Reject the Premise" series, a collaborative book-writing and podcast project. They discuss challengi...

Education Test Kitchen

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones welcomes three inspiring guests to discuss the origins and impact of the Test Kitchen Educat...

Practical AI with Derek Crager

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiv...

Being vs. Doing with Dr. Chad Dumas

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principle, host Jethro Jones welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas, international consultant and author of "The Teacher Team ...

Coaching Over Evaluation with K.C. Knudson

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones sits down with K.C. Knudson, MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service Dist...

How to Stop Sounding Like Every Other School with Kristian Golick

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Kristian Golick, founder of EduCreative, about how schools can stand out by ...

Building Sustainable Systems in Schools with Patrick Mongrain

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones welcomes Patrick Mongrain, a middle school teacher, instructional coach, and restorative justice specialist, to discuss ...

Hope Out of the Pandemic with Derek Mitchell

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones welcomes Derek Mitchell, CEO of Partners in School Innovation, to discuss the evolving role of schools post-pandemi...

AI Standards and Cybersecurity Education for Kids with Sam Bourgeois

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones discusses the crucial topic of AI and cybersecurity with Sam Bourgeois, an experienced IT director with a backgroun...

The Role of Coaching in Dissertation Success with Dr. Jayne Lammers

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones talks with Dr. Jayne Lammers, a dissertation coach, about the importance of having systems and support to complete a dis...

The (New) Age of Software in Schools

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones and Damon Hargraves discuss innovative software solutions tailored for educational purposes. They share insights on the ...

The Importance of Literacy with Erin Bailey

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones hosts Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, to discuss the importance...

Early Mental Health Intervention with Barb Solish

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Barb Solish, the National Director of Innovation for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They discu...

Literacy in Mental Health and Reading with Barb Solish and Dr. Erin Bailey

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones introduces a special conversation between Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading i...

Can I go to the Bathroom? And Other Asinine Questions with Bobby Canosa-Carr

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones speaks with Bobby Canosa-Carr, a leadership coach, author, and former principal. They discuss various educational topics...

Brave on Purpose with Samantha Hamilton

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  Jethro Jones interviews Samantha Hamilton, an award-winning principal, national education consultant, speaker, and author. Samantha...

When Coaches do the Evaluations on Teachers With Dr. Sarah Ranney

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ranney shares her journey from instructional coach to executive director of Lafayette Preparatory Academy. She and Jethro d...

Reject the Premise Part 2

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones and guest Danny Bauer delve into the evolution of their collaboration on the 'Reject the Premise' book idea, discussing ...

The Evolution of Trust-Based Observations with Craig Randall

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro D. Jones welcomes back Craig Randall to discuss the evolution of trust-based observations and its impact on improving teaching...

Generative Instruction with Linda Berberich, PhD.

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones interviews Linda Berberich, a behavioral scientist, about her extensive experience in machin...

Everyone is an Education Journalist with Charles Sosnik

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones discusses the nuances of education journalism with Charles Sosnik. Together, they explore the differences between news r...

The SchoolX Book Study with Shenita Perry

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones welcomes Shenita Perry, an assistant principal from Montgomery Public Schools, Alabama. They discuss the unique cha...

A Doctorate in Character Education with Melinda Bier

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones welcomes Dr. Melinda Bier, the Theresa M. Fisher Endowed Professor for citizenship educ...

Stop Wasting Teacher Time: Local Curriculum Empowers Real Learning with Emily Makelky

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your teachers overwhelmed with busywork and disconnected mandates? In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones sits down with Emily ...

Using AI Layering to Create Hyper-Localized Curriculum with Brent Zirkel

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Brent Zirkel, the elementary principal at Mary Welsh Elementary in Williamsburg, Iowa. They discuss how Brent...

Building Trust Through Formative Supervision with Dr. Valerie Dehombreux

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Valerie Dehombreux, an experienced educator and school principal who recently completed her doctorate in ...

School Improvement Through Integrated Special Education with Dr. Kate Anderson Foley

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Kate Anderson Foley, founder and CEO of the Education Policy and Practice Group. They discuss the integra...

Future Serious School with Will Richardson

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Will Richardson, a veteran in the educational field for over 30 years. The discussion covers Will's new educa...

Creating Equitable Classrooms with Mike Cronley

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Mike Cronley, founder and CEO of Class Composer, about how his software helps create equitable classroom...

Streamlining Feedback to Teachers with Observation Co-Pilot with Adam Geller

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones welcomes back Adam Geller, the founder and CEO of Edthena. They discuss the new Observation Copilot tool, designed to st...

Big Impact Mixer

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones introduces the Big Impact Mixer, where innovative minds gather to share and implement impactful ideas. Jethro discusses ...

From Conflict to Collaboration with Dr. Robert Feirsen and Dr Seth Weitzman - From the Vault

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special From the Vault. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert Feirsen and Dr. Seth Weitzman about their new book From Conflict to...

Three Factors that Led to the Mississippi Miracle in Child Literacy with Dr. Trish Stoll

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Transformative Principal podcast, we introduce you to Dr. Trish Stoll, a transformative leader who played a pivotal role in the...

Improving Your School Branding with John Mihalyo

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

School is becoming more hyper-localized. Parents’ choice is expanding, and public schools are already having to court new families to choose them, a...

Beta Testers Wanted

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎯 What’s in This Episode?I’m on the lookout for 10 beta testers to join me in shaping the future of the SchoolX Book Study. This isn’t just a...

LinkEd Leaders with Mike Caldwell

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Jethro Jones chats with Mike Caldwell, the founder of LinkEd Leaders. They discuss the importance of on-demand mentorship for sc...

Five Principles of Educator Professionalism with Dr. Nason Lollar

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Nason Lollar, author of 'The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism'. They discuss the erosion of tr...

How to get 100% of 3rd Graders Proficient in Reading with Dr. Layne Dillard

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Layne Dillard, an educational leader with over 27 years of experience in transforming schools and empower...

Creating Transition Programs that are Beneficial to Students with Disabilities with Joel Lavin

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Joel Lavin and Jethro Jones discuss transition services for students with disabilities as they mature out of the K-12 schooli...

Creating Impact with from Your Vision with Dr. Sandy Breece

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Sandy Breece, founder and superintendent of Telesis Center for Learning Incorporated. They discuss Dr. Br...

How Kahoot! Is Changing the Game with Meira Koponen

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  Jethro Jones interviews Meira Koponen, a learning designer at Kahoot. They discuss the importance of game-based learning, the integ...

Innovative Strategies for Navigating School Leadership Roadblocks with Marcela Andres

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Public Benefit CorporationsBenefit of school leadersSchool is nestled within a communityBeing authentic in who they are so they can show up authentica...

What We Show Them with Kevin Stoller Transformative Principal 639

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin would bring a deep passion and eagerness to discuss the impact of our latest project, the docuseries "What We Show Them" with the goal to engage...

The Power of ICU with Garett Cook

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Power of ICU - focuses on giving kids what they need when they need it. Bringing it all back to Tier 1. ICU MenuChanging language - how can I he...

The Future of AI is Authenticity with Erik Francis Transformative Principal 637

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Erik Francis, an expert in educational leadership and the creator of Maverik...

Investing in the Incline of our Health with Dr. David Lipman

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. David Lipman joins Jethro to talk about critical aspects of health optimization and its impact on our well-being in a modern world filled with phy...

Personalize and Quest Academy with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh Transformative Principal 635

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh discusses their book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" and their insights on transfor...

Making a Portrait of a Graduate that Actually Works with - Mike Duncan Transformative Principal 633

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mike Duncan, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, explores the concept of a portrait of a graduate and its importance in shaping e...

Stubborn Adult Disorder with David Schipper Transformative Principal 634

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, David Schipper, director of the Strategic Learning Clinic, discusses the challenges that students face in reaching their full potenti...

How to Leave Education with Julie Ulstrup Transformative Principal 631

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast interview, Julie Ulstrup discusses the concept of the "Zone of Brilliance," where individuals can create a vision and achieve their dr...

Intentional Self-Care with Dr. Tyrone Burton Transformative Principal 629

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On June 10, 2024, Passion Driven Leadership celebrated two schools in the Orange Township School District with the designation of being Passion Driven...

Rally to Read with Jodi Rubin Transformative Principal 628

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In...

Parents as Literacy Experts with Dr. Daris McInnis Transformative Principal 632

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Daris McInnis joins Jethro to explore the complex nature of the reading process and the pivotal role that parents play in building literacy founda...

Is it Dyslexia or Dysteachia? with Irene Daria Transformative Principal 627

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).Ho...

Making the Science of Reading Stick with Dr. Jocelyn Washburn Transformative Principal 626

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).Dr...

A Project-Based Aligned Literacy Curriculum with Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta Transformative Principal 625

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In...

Plan, Study, Do & Act with Missy Emler & Mia Chmiel #udlcon

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Partnering for Literacy in Your Community with Jennifer Moone Transformative Principal 624

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).Th...

Finding Joy in Your UDL with Alex Dang-Lozano #udlcon

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Neurodivergent Education with Adam Lalor #udlcon

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

It’s Hard To Be A Jerk When You Care with Gina Davenport Transformative Principal 620

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Transformative Principal podcast, Gina Davenport, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights on ...

Ruckus Making with Mirko Chardin #udlcon

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Supporting Educators with Accessibility with Kelli Suding and Michelle Soriano #udlcon

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Taking Control of Your Pension with Hutch Hutchinson Transformative Principal 617

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to get the guaranteed highest pension payout. Jethro Jones discusses the "Pension Maximization" strategy for school principals with John "Hu...

The Past, Present & Future of UDL with Chief Content Officer David Gordon #udlcon

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Insights from UDL-Con with Corinne Quintana & Mrs. G #udlcon

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Better Teaching with Gene Tavernetti Transformative Principal 614

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone should have a coachThere are people who are viewed as the real prosThe difference between having a coach and “just getting better”The big...

Bridging Gaps in CTE with Donald Walker #udlcon

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Fostering Student Agency with Shelley Berman #udlcon

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Curiosity and Skepticism For AI Learning with Seth Fleischauer Transformative Principal 611

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching distance before COVIDEnglish as a foreign language virtually and in person. How COVID remote learning laid the groundwork for virtual wellne...

Insights from CAST's Anniversary with CEO Lindsay Jones #udlcon

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Does it hurt enough to change? with Andratesha Fritzgerald #udlcon

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which ...

Creating Phone Free Spaces with Graham Dugoni Transformative Principal 608

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Vital in an education setting to experience what life is like without a phoneHow you develop character through whether you’re using a phone or not. ...

Hats, Tats, and UDL with Bryan Dean Transformative Principal 607

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Giving UDL away for freeBuilding products through grantsPeople think UDL is static, but it isn’t. Identity is important. UDL is human centric, not...